A Challenge to 21st Century Believers (1 Thessalonians 5)

Scripture reading – 1 Thessalonians 5

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

1 Thessalonians 5

With the promise of the Lord’s coming and the assurance of the saints’ resurrection, Paul continued: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you” (1 Thessalonians 5:1). In essence, Paul did not need to elaborate further on Christ’s coming; however, he warned that when Jesus comes, it will be sudden and unexpected, for “the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Sadly, some have a false sense of security and say, “Peace and safety,” and Paul warned: “then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail [labor or birth pangs] upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

The Believer’s Life and the Imminent Return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:4-7)

The believers in Thessalonica had many questions about their faith, including the Messiah’s return. Paul reminded them to rely on the truths they knew and to remember that they were not in darkness but children of light (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Like us, they likely wrestled with fear of the future. Knowing that the Lord would return in His appointed time (a time known only to God the Father; Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7), Paul urged believers to “watch and be sober” (i.e., to be alert and self-controlled; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Paul contrasted believers with “others” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) who live as children of the darkness [the unsaved]of this world: “they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:7). (Unfortunately, many today profess to be believers, yet their lives offer little evidence of sincerity in their profession of Christ as Savior.)

The Preparations and Duties of Those Who Look for the Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)

By including himself in his appeal and contrasting his analogy with the garments of the High Priest, Paul challenged, “Let us, who are of the day [walking in the light of Truth], be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8).

We who profess Christ as Savior must be “sober” [temperate; self-controlled; abstaining from strong drink]. We must guard our hearts with “the breastplate of faith and love.” Our minds are to be protected by the “helmet,” which is “the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Ephesians 6:17). The unsaved will face the wrath of God; however, “God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰Who died for us…that we should live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).

The Believer’s Relationship with Others (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15)

Paul urged the saints to minister to others by comforting, encouraging, strengthening, and building them up in their faith (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 14:19). Believers are also urged to know their pastors and ministers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

In essence, understand and appreciate those called by God and dedicated to serving the saints (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Know the needs of those who are “over you in the Lord” and called to “admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Cherish them for their calling, and “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). 

Closing thoughts (1 Thessalonians 5:14-28)

Paul concluded his first letter to the Thessalonians with a rapid-fire list of brief commands (challenges) that need no explanation. After encouraging believers to cherish those who were their spiritual guides and teachers, Paul commanded:

“Warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Don’t be vengeful (1 Thessalonians 5:15a), “but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:15b). Rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16), persevere in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), be grateful for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18), never quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19), nor despise “prophesyings” (warnings, preaching, 1 Thessalonians 5:20). Hold fast to the truth, and test everything you hear (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Avoid anything that even has the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 

I conclude our study of 1 Thessalonians with my prayer for everyone reading today’s Bible study, just as Paul prayed for the believers in Thessalonica:

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. ²⁵Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. ²⁷I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. ²⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28).

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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